Bahrain prepares grand welcome for Sultan Ibrahim's state visit

MANAMA: Bahrain is set to welcome His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, who begins a state visit to the country from Thursday (Nov 4) until Saturday (Nov 6).

Checks around the capital reveal rows of Jalur Gemilang and Bahraini flags prominently displayed along major roads.

His Majesty is scheduled to arrive at 3pm local time (8pm Malaysian time).

This state visit, the first since 1974, is expected to strengthen diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the island nation in the Persian Gulf.

The three-day visit is at the invitation of Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa.

Last year, Malaysia-Bahrain bilateral trade amounted to RM1.19bil (US$284mil).

Malaysia's key exports to Bahrain include processed food, palm-based products, electrical and electronic products, and transport equipment, while major imports from Bahrain comprise metal products, metal ores and scrap, petroleum products, and iron and steel.

Bahrain is Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner, 11th-largest export destination, and eighth-largest import source among West Asian countries.

The King of Malaysia will be welcomed by King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman Hamad Al Khalifa at Sakhir Palace with full ceremonial honours, including a mounted escort, greetings from Bahraini students, a traditional 'Ardah' dance performance, and a 21-gun salute. – Bernama